The Oklahoma City Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Oklahoma City

When it Hurts to Open Your Mouth

headaches and neck pain image.

Does it hurt when you open your mouth? When you eat? When you yawn? When you talk? Do you hear "clicking" or "popping" noises when you open your mouth? Have you considered or have you been told that you have TMJ?

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, is named for the temporomandibular joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, right below both ears. These joints are made up of bones, muscles, and nerves that work together to help your jaw move when you eat, talk and yawn.

Symptoms of TMJ may include:

  • Pain in the jaw
  • Chronic headaches/migraines
  • Ear pain or ringing in the ears
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Clicking or popping noises in the temporomandibular joint when you open your mouth
  • Dizziness/lightheadedness
  • A feeling that your bite, the way your upper and lower teeth fit together, isn't right

Causes of TMJ? Common causes of TMJ include injury to the jaw, whiplash, teeth grinding or clenching, arthritis and stress. TMJ is diagnosed more often in women than in men.

Treatment usually consists of:

  • Application of ice/heat
  • Eating soft foods that don't stress the joint
  • Biofeedback/counseling/stress-reduction techniques
  • A mouth guard or night guard to prevent clenching and grinding
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications (OTC pain relievers, muscle relaxers, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications)
  • Dental procedures such as orthodontics (braces), dental restorations and realignment of bridges and crowns that may correct dental abnormalities thought to contribute to TMJ.
  • For many TMJ sufferers, chiropractic care has proven to be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of TMJ. Chiropractors can perform range-of-motion and mobility tests and they are uniquely trained to locate and correct spinal misalignments that may contribute to TMJ, especially when there has been any type of injury or trauma to the head or neck.

If you believe you have TMJ, or you have been diagnosed with this condition, we can often create a treatment plan that doesn't include the use of medications or surgery. We will also work with other health care professionals, if needed, to create a multi-disciplinary approach.

Please be sure to inform us if you are having any jaw pain/problems when you come in for your next chiropractic appointment.

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Dr. Dennis Asks some important questions of interest to Oklahoma City residents - Chiropractor Oklahoma City Dr. Dennis Asks...

Do chiropractors prescribe medications for the pain?
No. Chiropractic is a drug-free approach to better health. Instead, we rely on natural methods. We can show you how to use ice to control pain. When properly applied, ice can have an analgesic effect without the unwanted and sometimes dangerous effects of pain medications.
What is the significance of "growing pains?"
Chiropractors know that aches or pains at any age mean something's not right. In fact, many children go through stages of growth without aches or pains. So while "growing pains" may be common, they're not normal. That's why our Oklahoma City chiropractic practice sees lots of children. A chiropractic checkup for your child can often help detect and correct problems that are more difficult to correct in Oklahoma City adults.